LIHUE — Sexual harassment can happen anywhere, anytime.
The “Me Too” movement, gaining momentum on Kauai and nationwide since its start in 2006, advocates for awareness, prevention and change, as well as bringing empathy to survivors.
“Recently there has been a national dialogue happening that has really brought some of these issues up to the forefront,” said Chelsea Crapser, YWCA director of crisis and prevention services.
YWCA has been at the forefront of social movements, from women’s empowerment to civil rights, for more than 150 years. And now, members from Kauai are on a mission to educate residents about the prevalence of sexual harassment and solutions to the problem.
“We wanted to ride in the wave of that national movement and look at how those issues affect our local community and give folks a place where they can feel supported, feel heard, feel listened to, and where they can share their own experiences and challenges with the issues of sexual harassment and sexual violence in general,” Crapser said.
The women’s organization hosted an in-depth discussion Wednesday with a panel of local experts to share resources, experiences, policies and laws regarding the often-avoided topic.
One of the panelists, Deborah Crippen, human resources director for Lawai Beach Resort, spoke from her perspective as an HR professional on Kauai for more than two decades.
“If you experience sexual harassment in the workplace, you need to talk to any manager you feel comfortable talking to,” Crippen said. “You don’t have to feel bad about whatever employment action happens to this person who did this thing; it’s not your responsibility.”
Lawyer Emiko Myers said a Kauai Civil Rights Commission claim can help start your case, investigate incidents, issue the right to sue, seek remedies and sometimes even award damages.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace can and does rise to the level where it can be considered criminal activity,” said Justin Kollar, county prosecuting attorney.
“If you walk up and touch somebody and engage in sexual contact with them against their will, that is a misdemeanor punishable up to a year in jail,” he said. “Depending on what you did, you may land on a sex offender registry for 10 years up to life.”
Panelist Dr. Chia Granda, clinical director at Kauai Family Guidance Center, pointed out that sexual harassment can negatively affect health.
“There is actually really strong evidence to support treatment for people who have been exposed to sexual harassment, abuse or trauma, and lot of good evidence to support the whole family, especially around trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy,” Granda said.
Victims can benefit by talking about their experience and being nurtured emotionally with someone to listen, she said. Getting the topic out in the open is one way to draw attention to the issue and discuss solutions for healing and prevention.
Several members of the LGBTQ community shared their experiences anonymously. One transgender individual, who is transitioning from male to female, said they were afraid to use the women’s restrooms for fear of being accused of sexual harassment.
Although state law says an individual can use any public accommodation that corresponds with the gender they identify as, the discussion regarding laws and policies pertaining to sexual harassment continue to be an important topic of discussion.
